Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Hosono Haruki delivered a masterful performance, racking up 12 strikeouts while nearly tossing a no-hitter in the team’s season-opening game at Escon Field against the Rakuten Golden Eagles.
Nerves Turn to Dominance
The 24-year-old, in his third professional season, overcame pre-game jitters that left him dry-heaving at 5 a.m. Hosono took the mound for his first start of the year and immediately issued a walk to the first batter on a full count. Undeterred, he retired the next eight consecutive batters, mostly via strikeouts.
Through four innings, Hosono escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fourth with three quick outs, including a crucial strikeout. He maintained a no-hit, no-run bid into the later innings, striking out seven over the fifth through eighth frames.
Clutch Moments in the Ninth
Leading 9-0 entering the ninth, Hosono loaded the bases with two outs on 128 pitches. He fired a 150 km/h fastball for his 12th strikeout, but the no-hitter ended moments later on a hit. Despite the heartbreak, fans erupted in cheers for the ‘no-hitter no-run’ effort.
Hosono reflected afterward, ‘I’ve never gone this deep into a game before.’ He added, ‘Securing strikeouts with my fastball in key situations made the big performance possible. My velocity held steady.’
Manager’s Praise and Team Impact
Rakuten manager Katsutoshi Shinjo noted, ‘Hosono pitches well under pressure. It would be great if he stays nervous like this moving forward.’
The outing marked Lotte’s first no-hitter no-run gem since Cody Ponce in 2022. Hosono, a 2023 draftee out of college where he topped 158 km/h, contributed to four home runs in the blowout win. Teammates like No. 2 starter Kyota and No. 3 Franmil Reyes added power with two homers each.
In 2024, Hosono has started two games for Lotte, striking out three in his pro debut while earning wins in eight total appearances, all as a starter. His poise propelled Lotte to a dominant victory, matching a franchise milestone in the ninth with 103 pitches from the top reliever.
